Sunderland U18s 2 Liverpool U18s 0: Young Cats into play-offs

SUNDERLAND clinched a coveted spot in the Barclays U18 Premier League play-offs with a superb performance to beat Liverpool at the Academy of Light today, writes Neville Pilkington.

Victory sealed top spot in Qualification Group Tier 1, pipping Tottenham by two points. Now Sunderland will host the winners of Tier 2 – either Manchester City or Newcastle – in the play-offs next Saturday (11am).

George Honeyman made the breakthrough from 12 yards, from Andrew Cartwright’s low corner, and James Stinson’s wonder strike made sure of the win late on – after Liverpool rallied to hit the post through Cameron Brannigan.